Ferguson holds private talks with Rangers star after controversial incident
Barry Ferguson has remained tight-lipped about behind-closed-door talks at Rangers in recent days.
The Gers’ interim manager has done a fantastic job at Ibrox since taking charge of the club in February.
He’s guided Rangers to the Europa League quarterfinals and also registered their first win in the Old Firm derby at Celtic Park in five years.
While Ferguson’s tenure has gone smoothly in terms of results, there has been a controversial incident which has required the manager’s intervention.
Ferguson speaks about Cerny incident
As Rangers celebrated Hamza Igamane’s winner in the 3-2 away win over Celtic, Vaclav Cerny was seen spraying water on the Celtic fans. The incident brought widespread criticism and has also led to a police investigation.
While Rangers have already released a statement that they will be cooperating with the relevant authorities, Ferguson had remained tight-lipped in the media regarding the incident.
The 47-year-old has now spoken in public regarding the ‘watergate’ incident and defended the Czechia star’s actions, saying that he has had no problem with the winger’s actions and Cerny’s reaction was natural.
| Opposition | Home/Away |
| Dundee FC | Away |
| Hibernian | Home |
| Athletic Club | Home |
| Abderdeen | Aberdeen |
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: “The reaction was he’s excited because his team-mates have scored what was to be the winning goal.
“I would have a problem if my players and my staff sat in their seat and never said a word or did anything. I want to see players and staff celebrate. Why do we play football? We play football to win games. And when you win games, I want to see my players, my staff, celebrate alongside our supporters.
“Listen, I’ve had a private chat with Vac and that will remain private.
One thing I’ve made clear to my players and my staff is, when we score, we celebrate. And after the game, whether it’s Celtic, whether it’s Fenerbahce, whether it’s St Mirren, whether it’s whoever it is, Dundee, Aberdeen, Hibs, Hearts, if that whistle goes and we’ve won three points, I have no issue with going and celebrating with your fans.”
Rangers in driver’s seat with Ferguson at the helm
When Philippe Clement was sacked, Rangers’ season looked over as the team struggled on the pitch. With the Scottish Premiership title chase already over, it looked like the Gers were heading for one of their worst season performances in recent seasons.
Ferguson has managed to steady the sinking ship and even pull off miracles like eliminating Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the round of 16 of the Europa League and advancing to the quarter-finals.
Rangers face Athletic Club in the quarter-finals and stand a decent chance of going through. Should Ferguson manage to guide the Glaswegian club to the semi-finals of the European competition, he will make a very strong case for himself to be backed as permanent manager.
With potential new owners, 49ers Enterprises, observing closely, this is Ferguson’s chance to prove his worth and stake claim at the permanent managerial role at Ibrox.
While the Premiership is a lost cause, Ferguson will look to end the domestic season on a high note and get his side as close as possible to leaders Celtic.